Hamamelidis Cortex et Folia.

(A larger monograph by Lloyd on the history of Hamamelis can be found at: http://www.swsbm.com/ManualsOther/Hamamelis.pdf)

Witch-hazel, Hamamelis virginiana. The decoction and infusion of the bark as well as of the leaves of this shrub have been in common use from the days of the American Indian, whose use of the plant led the settlers to its employment. They also used the leaves as well as the pounded bark in the making of a poultice for topical use in inflammations. These domestic uses of the drug led to its introduction by the medical profession at an early date. A mixture of hydrastis root and hamamelis leaves was held in high repute by Professor John King, M. D. (356), as a wash and as an injection. The preparation known as distilled hamamelis, or distilled extract of hamamelis, introduced by Pond about the middle of the nineteenth century, became very popular and has an increasing demand at the present time, a substitute or imitation being introduced into the pharmacopoeia under the title "hamamelis water."

The History of the Vegetable Drugs of the U.S.P., 1911, was written by John Uri Lloyd.